Srixon ZXi RKT Hybrid Review: How Does This Versatile Option Perform?
Matt Cradock takes the Srixon ZXi RKT hybrid on to the course to find out how it performs
The Srixon ZXi RKT is an excellent all-rounder that excelled in the basics of what a hybrid should do. Easy to launch from a variety of lies, the powerful feel off the face and adjustability is a huge plus, while the stealthy, minimalist looks only add to the premium feel. The wear on the face may be more notable than some other models, but this is a hybrid that will appeal to a wide variety of golfers.
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Easy to hit from a range of different lies
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Excellent distance from a powerful feel at impact
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All black aesthetic looks excellent at address
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Club face does scratch quite easily
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Although hybrids are becoming less popular on the professional circuits, they're still very useful clubs to have in the bag, as proven by the Srixon ZXi RKT I have been testing.
In the past, I've used a hybrid and, although there isn't one in my bag right now, I was excited to test the new ZXi RKT out, especially as Srixon has implemented some new technology on the club for the very first time.
The main technology story surrounds the introduction of an Adjustable Sole Weight and Adjustable Hosel Sleeve, which are designed to work together to help with the gapping make-up and weighting.
Ranging from a 17° head, which is the equivalent of a 2-iron, all the way to a 28° head that sits around the 6-iron number, there is plenty of variety to suit a number of golfers, especially as the range covers the higher section of the bag where most struggle.
That brings me to the first positive, and that's the overall performance of the ZXi RKT which, in my opinion, was exceptional.
Hybrids are designed to be easy to launch with plenty of power and, I'm happy to report that this hybrid delivers that in abundance, as the Rebound Frame utilizes two flex zones to produce a really strong feel off the face that has a high towering flight, even on off-center strikes.
What I liked is that you can manipulate the shot shape of the ZXi RKT but, one slight negative is that I found it can be difficult to lower the flight, due to the fact that this club only wants to get airborne.
This isn't a negative as such, I would say, as the caliber of player likely to use this club will want the high launch characteristics. What I am saying is, that when a lower shot is required, models like the TaylorMade Qi4D perform slightly better.
Back to the ZXi RKT, though, and it possesses Variable Roll Design, which is one of the reasons for the ease of shot shaping, while the same RKT Face that's found in Srixon's ZXi RKT drivers and fairway woods does a great job of transferring energy to create speed and accuracy from a variety of lies.
In fact, this was arguably the main stand out of the hybrid, the performance from not just the tee and fairway, but also the rough and bunkers.
Srixon has crammed the hybrid full of technology and, thanks to its loft configuration and the i-Flex thickness of the face, the hybrid was able to cut through the turf with ease.
Having the ability to create a divot at impact with the power available meant I was still able to produce plenty of height from the juiciest of lies in the rough.
There didn't appear to be much sacrifice on distance either, as I was still gaining good yardage and certainly more than if I were to use my current 5-iron of the same loft from the same lies.
Performance-wise, there's a lot going for the Srixon ZXi RKT hybrid and, in terms of looks, the minimalist design is sure to appeal to a number of players.
Unlike the Callaway Quantum hybrid, which has a more reflective crown, the ZXi RKT has a more matte-style look which is very premium. What's more, at address, there's a minimal amount of offset and a significant amount of loft on show, which helps build confidence that you can get the ball in the air and online at impact.
The addition of a simple 'S' on the crown helps with alignment and, with the slightly more compact look from head-to-toe, it makes the ball stand out as you prepare to hit your shot.
Srixon has focused on Tour-Driven Shaping and, for me, it's certainly worked well, as the rounded, streamlined shape has clearly been thought about by the engineers.
One slight negative I have, though, is the wear damage on the face. After just a day of testing, notable scratches had started to appear which, although they didn't affect performance, were still surprising as I had only used the club for a short period of time.
Overall, there's a lot to like about the Srixon ZXi RKT and, with the brand introducing more adaptability via the loft sleeve and weighting, it's certainly a viable option for the top end of the golf bag.
Priced around the same as TaylorMade's Qi4D and Callaway's Quantum models, the looks, performance and value rival the best hybrid golf clubs and tick a lot of the right boxes.
